MY ACCOUNT
At A Glance:
In Mexico's southern state of Chiapas, pastors are faithfully serving God – even though they’ve been jailed for their faith. Now they are seeing God move in a new and exciting way.
- Pastors José and Mariano encountered community antagonism against their Gospel ministry.
- Three pastors were jailed when they started a home ministry.
- Audio Bibles provided by GCR donors have opened wonderful opportunities for hungry hearts to hear the Gospel.
Believers Overcome Persecution
“When we started, I was alone,” Pastor Mariano says. Around 30 years ago, he accepted Christ while his wife and children did not. Although he felt isolated, he shared the Gospel with his community.
Pastor José also ministered in the same community in Zinacantán at that time and spoke of the antagonism they encountered.
“They didn't want the Word of God of the community,” he says. “Even if a foreigner comes, they won't let you in.”
He started a home ministry with other pastors in Mexico. Their first worship service was smooth and peaceful. But on the following Sunday, “the persecution came,” José explains.
Eight people from the community burst into the house and took José, Mariano, and another pastor named Antonio to jail.
But today, José said, “there is freedom.” He remained in his community and continues to serve in the church he founded.
Mariano started a new church in a similar community a few years ago. His family now shares his faith. “Thank God, my wife, my children … they are all believers,” he says. His children even play in their music ministry.
Audio Bibles Bypass Antagonism
We supplied these two pastors in Mexico with audio Bibles to distribute in their communities. These solar-powered devices come with SD cards containing Scripture, allowing those who cannot read to hear the Word of God. Families or large groups of people can even listen together.
These devices also are a Godsend for those who do not speak Spanish, as many only speak Tzotzil and Tzeltal. Through the gift of an audio Bible, speakers of indigenous languages can listen to Scripture – sometimes for the first time in their lives.
Both pastors are excited about the blessings these audio Bibles will bring to their communities.
“Thank God you sent me audio Bibles,” Mariano says. Many of the women in his community cannot read, and he is hopeful audio Bibles will help them learn Scripture.
José delivered some audio Bibles to people who “don't know how to read or how to speak Spanish. There are those who have a desire to hear the Word.”
A third pastor adds that he gave an audio Bible to a blind man he knew, “so he could listen to the Word of God.”
José says he was very happy to hear the Word of God spoken in the Tzotzil heart language. “Thank you very much for that,” he said.
give the gift of God's word A Bible for every believer
Your support helps provide audio Bibles to believers like José and Mariano across Mexico and around the world, allowing God’s Word to reach people in their own languages and transform their daily lives. Send Bibles and support to your persecuted brothers and sisters today.
